Internet access sluggish (nslookup)

  • Thread starter Thread starter flowe
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flowe

Hi all

Using: XPH SP2, all updates save SP3, connected by USB to modem and TV cable.

Most of the time, my internet connection works ok,
digital phone over same modem works reliably.

Seldom, but ever again, I get "restricted connectivity" (translating from
German).
In Mai, I had this problem lasting for one and a half days.

Testing a good connection with "nslookup www.provider.ch", I get this:

Server: ns5.provider.net
Address: 62.2.24.162

Non authorized reply:
Name: www.provider.ch
Address: 62.2.16.94

While restricted connectivity, I get:

DNS request timed out - timeout 2 seconds
*** Server name for Address 62.2.24.162 not detected: timed out
(... times 3)

I then try household remedies, such as rebooting, completely removing the
modem from power and data lines and reinstalling after some 5 minutes, as
last resource restoring a C partition image (Ac-ronis TrueImage). The USB
part does not appear to be involved, since digital phone works flawlessly.

Last night, I had a chat with a likely capable provider's supporter, he
confirming no known issued at their end, then checking and testing all
settings, including on/off of firewall and process malware con-trol. In the
end he suspected some problem in a so called "Host file" - something I don't
know anything about - and suggested to approach MS for support, but the
exorbitant fee asked makes this unlikely.

The issue to my knowledge does not depend on any particular operation or
condition.
Malware influence appears to me as unlikely (lots of precautions).

Any diagnostic questions welcome...
Many thanks in advance
 
Hi all

Using: XPH SP2, all updates save SP3, connected by USB to modem
and TV cable.

Most of the time, my internet connection works ok,
digital phone over same modem works reliably.

Seldom, but ever again, I get "restricted connectivity"
(translating from German).
In Mai, I had this problem lasting for one and a half days.

Testing a good connection with "nslookup www.provider.ch", I get
this:

Server: ns5.provider.net
Address: 62.2.24.162

Non authorized reply:
Name: www.provider.ch
Address: 62.2.16.94

While restricted connectivity, I get:

DNS request timed out - timeout 2 seconds
*** Server name for Address 62.2.24.162 not detected: timed out
(... times 3)

"Restricted Connectivity" usually means that your computer could not
obtain an IP address using DHCP. This can be confirmed by bringing up
a command prompt (Start->Run->Cmd) and enter the command:
ipconfig /all
Then check the IP address. If your IP address is 169.254.x.x then your
problem is that your Modem could not obtain an IP address from your
Internet Service Provider. If unplugging your Modem from the wall and
plugging it in again (and rebooting computer) does not solve the
problem, then one possibility is that your ISP is over-subscribed and
has temporarily run out of IP addresses.
You might also want to check your Modem Manufacturer's website to see
if they have any updated USB drivers for your modem model.
Another suggestion, if possible, is to switch to an Ethernet modem.
They tend to work better than USB modems.

Your "hosts" file likely has nothing to do with this problem. It is
usually found in c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\ and is simply an aid
to translating domain names to IP addresses.

Good Luck,
John
 
Hi John

You wrote:
....
"Restricted Connectivity" usually means that your computer could not
obtain an IP address using DHCP. This can be confirmed by bringing up
a command prompt (Start->Run->Cmd) and enter the command:
ipconfig /all
Then check the IP address. If your IP address is 169.254.x.x then your
problem is that your Modem could not obtain an IP address from your
Internet Service Provider. If unplugging your Modem from the wall and
plugging it in again (and rebooting computer) does not solve the
problem,
**********
then one possibility is that your ISP is over-subscribed
and has temporarily run out of IP addresses.
**********
....
As I see it now, this is the most likely reason
and will enable me to ask the right question next time.
Trouble is: captive customer...

Many thanks indeed, John
flowe
 
...
As I see it now, this is the most likely reason
and will enable me to ask the right question next time.
Trouble is: captive customer...

If this is your problem, then when you do get connected the
"ipconfig /all" command will show you when your IP lease expires
(assuming you aren't connected through a home router). When the
lease is 1/2 over, then your machine attempts to renew the lease.
Keeping your machine turned on with a program running that
periodically accesses the internet (such as an email program checking
for mail) should keep your IP lease current.

Good Luck,
John
 
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